The retro-futuristic "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" got mixed reviews from critics, but its throwback visual style and digital filmmaking techniques were widely touted for being on the cutting edge.
Set in an alternate and idealized 1939, "Sky Captain" tracks a dashing pilot (Jude Law) and an intrepid reporter (Gwyneth Paltrow) as they embark on a globe-trekking quest to save the world from a mad scientist. The plot's archetypal themes and heroes of yesteryear's pulps leave much to be desired, but the DVD offers much more, with extras that focus on the film's unusual creative process.
Digital high-definition cameras filmed the main actors in front of a blue screen, and that footage was later inserted into computer-generated environments. Using this technique to create an entire feature-length film was a big undertaking, and two featurettes look at how it was done.
The DVD also includes a short film by director Kerry Conran and his brother Kevin Conran, a production designer on "Sky Captain." The six-minute homemade movie was so well received by Paramount that the studio signed up Kerry -- who had never before worked on a major studio film -- to direct a full-length version. The short also inspired Paltrow, who had not yet seen a script, to agree to play a role in the film.
Two commentary tracks, concept art, deleted scenes and a gag reel round out the DVD's extras.
"Sky Captain" is one of several new films that inserts digital footage of real actors into computer-generated environments. With such big names as director Robert Rodriguez ("Spy Kids") working on similar projects, it's fitting that this DVD pays so much attention to filmmaking techniques. In the long run, the methods pioneered in "Sky Captain" may have more staying power than the film itself.
Sky Captain And the World of Tomorrow
Paramount Home Video; DVD $29.99; rated PG; available Tuesday
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